Vital resources for each community that they service, animal shelters are in the spotlight from Nov. 6 to 12 for National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week. The week honors both the shelters and numerous dedicated people who work to protect animals.
There are 3,500 animal shelters throughout the United States, serving an estimated six to eight million animals looking for their forever home. These shelters investigate cruelty and neglect cases, teach kids about animal care and provide spay/neuter services, often at a discounted rate, to help reduce pet overpopulation.
Here are a few ways you can say thank you to our local shelter this week:
– Know our local shelters and rescue groups. Locate all shelters and groups in our area; the number of people helping our furry friends may surprise you.
– Get social. Share graphics, posts and other information from local animal shelters with all of your online friends.
– Before you add a furry friend to your home, spend some time learning what to expect when adopting.
– If you’ve adopted a pet — or two or three — from a local shelter, say thanks to them by sending or sharing an updated photo of your pets with them.
– Channel your inner craftiness. Fabric, yarn, recyclables and an imagination can result in numerous toys for shelter pets.
– Check local shelter websites or social network pages for lists of needed items such as towels, toys and other supplies and donate what you can.
– If you aren’t in the position to adopt right now, volunteer with our local shelter or rescue organization.
– Make the job of the shelter and rescue organizations easier by making sure your pets have collars with proper ID tags and a microchip at all times. Spay and neuter any pets you add to your family.